Bello said the website, which says workers who worked between 1990 and 2018 have “the right to obtain” P85,000 from DOLE, was a hoax.

“We wish to warn the public about a hoax message circulating in the social media and mobile phones about a purported DOLE monetary benefit to employees who have worked with the Department “between 1990 and 2018,” Bello said in a statement.

“This is not true,” he added.

Bello said the website also “illegally uses the DOLE logo, the link to the official website, and even a photo of department officials to create a semblance of authenticity and mislead people. “

“We urge the public to be alert on the spread of this bogus announcement and report any similar incident to the nearest regional offices, bureaus, attached agencies, and overseas labor office,” Bello said.

“The Department has coordinated with law enforcement agencies, and is exerting all efforts in tracking the perpetrators of this fraud,” he added.

The webpage link spread online last week. This week, a similar looking site offering HK$15,000 from the Labour Department also spread.